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MTV launches ‘Hustle 2.0’ to bring rap battles to television
Mumbai: MTV India has brought back rap battleground Realme with MTV Hustle 2.0 following the phenomenal success of season one.
The latest season of India’s first-ever rap reality television show, co-powered by Wild Stone, will feature 10 action-packed weeks and pit 16 of the nation’s most distinctive rap voices against one another.
The Indian rapper Badshah will be the judge of the show, and other Indian rappers like EPR, King, Dino James, and Dee MC will be the Squad Bosses.
Beginning on 3 September, MTV Hustle 2.0 will air on MTV India and Voot every Saturday and Sunday at 7 p.m.
MTV youth, music, and English entertainment head Anshul Ailawadi said, “MTV Hustle 2.0 is an ode to India’s rap scene – it puts the spotlight on undiscovered talent and celebrates an art form that is amongst the youth’s foremost passion points. This season goes deeper into the country to offer tomorrow’s hip-hop icons their biggest canvas, today.”
He further added, “The first season was in 2019 (three years back), and the first season was phenomenally successful. So we set this huge benchmark and don’t make mistakes. It’s a new format and a very high-scale show. If you see the rap scene in India, it is extremely diverse right from different parts. So it’s our responsibility and I hope that people will give justice.”
With their signature styles, flair, and experience, they will equip their protégés and coach them through the mentoring journey to become industry-ready professionals.
The show format also elevates the magnitude of the competition, wherein Badshah and the four Squad Bosses will groom and judge the contestants based on their talent, performance, metre, technique, musicality, and storytelling.
Viewers will also get a chance to be a part of the journey by rooting for their favourite performer through public voting on the Voot app and by watching out for the ‘Squad of the Week’ and the ‘Performer of the Week’ as the show progresses.
“MTV has always been able to shine the spotlight on trends that can become mainstream, and Hustle 2.0 does exactly that. This will inspire the next generation, so that’s the idea. It’s the scale to make it available for everyone,” added Anshul.
Fremantle India managing director Aradhana Bhola believes that this show is priceless. She said, “Bringing under the radar talent into the limelight is something we are passionate about at Fremantle. And when the stage is an iconic youth platform, unfolding the magic of rap music and inspiring life stories with the uber talented Badshah in the house, the excitement of MTV Hustle 2.0 becomes palpable.”
She further added, “Every show has its beauty, and we do something that has absolute beauty because you’re very good for us. It’s so amazing to find talent. It’s part of a movement. It’s part of your personal story. It’s part of your work. It’s part of what’s happening around you. There’s so much soul in it that goes.”
MTV content originals head Suchita Shah said, “It’s bigger and fiercer this season! Realme MTV Hustle 2.0 is all about discovering untapped rap talent and bringing their unique stories to viewers and music lovers across the nation. That fire and passion which drives rap music in all its glorious diversity is what makes the concept tick. The latest season elevates the rap battleground like never before, with the new format, judge, and squad bosses!”
Anshul added, “This year you will see the MTV universe expand much more. You will see our digital content. We are coming up with very interesting shows.”
“You’ll see a lot of work that we’re doing to promote music talent at the grassroots. We’re reaching a lot of raw talent, access to whatever it takes to make up the right content and hopefully, we’re getting that very often going forward,” he concluded.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
